Private citizens and organizations have criticized the use of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and other military equipment as overly aggressive following the national media focus on the Ferguson Police Department’s use of such equipment in response to riots and demonstrations.
Section 1033 allows for local law enforcement agencies to request surplus military equipment from the Department of Defense, often free of charge.
Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constables received a military MRAP for use in the county. Many people screamed why is it needed, news reporters thought it was over kill. Montgomery County wasn’t the only one that got one. San Marcos Police also was another agency to receive one. There too citizens screamed why is it needed. During flood rescue operations on May 24, 2015 San Marcos Police Officers rescued two persons from their home on Adrian St. In the 700 Block of Barbara Dr. 36 inches of water was rushing down the street, as vehicle began to float away. 4 people were rescued by officers, from several homes, in the 700 Block of Barbara Dr.
A family of 6 was calling for help in the area of the Colony Square Apt. Responding from Barbara Dr. officers drove through deep and rising waters, as well as navigated through vehicles abandon because of the rising flood waters. 14 people were rescued in the area of the Colony Square Apt.
Officers were flagged down and told of a mother who was being swept away near the complex. She and her 16 yoa son were located and rescued. With 20 people in the vehicle they were all transported safely to the shelter.
Officers received a call for a family stuck in a vehicle near Wal Mart. Arriving on the scene officers rescued a man, two kids, and two dogs from a vehicle in high water.
People do not realize how multipurpose police units are. But in reality police patrol units were unable to perform this mission. You see we lost patrol vehicles in the floor waters. So were the police Tahoe’s and SUV’s up to this task or maybe a fire engine rescue vehicle?
None of these could complete this mission. The mission was completed using the MRAP. A vehicle the San Marcos Police Department acquired from the DOD.
Many people say that there is no use for such a vehicle in police work. I’d say asked the 25 people and three dogs rescued in San Marcos Texas during the worst flood in the city’s history.
What did it cost this community? 26.5 gals/$74.45 in fuel and saved lives.
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